What I have formerly endeavoured in these Exercises, I need not here tell you: My design is still the same; when too many are contending about comparatively trifles, or worse, I would do my utmost, by calling in better help than mine own, to promote practical Godliness. I'll not mention the Cases unavoidably (some by Sickness, some otherwise) omitted; and for those here, should I place them in this Preface, as I intended them in the Book, tbô it might somewhat rectify their Order, 'twould not add to their Usefulness; and therefore take them as they are, and the Blessing of God go along with them; and certainly 'twill, [as to you] if you are willing it should, pray try else. (1) We are surrounded with Vanities, let §1your Conversation be in Heaven, you'll be above them. But be sure your (2) Godliness be such, that you may feel its excellency, and expose §2their Folly that deride it. Then (3) God will not only be your §3Rewarder, but your exceeding great Reward. And (4) as you mind §4Religion, mind Unity, be of a healing temper. And (5) mourn for §5their sins from whom you must separate. When (6) you can say, through §6Grace, you love God, abide in his Love. And (7) be as solicitous for §7your Children's Salvation, as your own. (8) Do not flatter your selves to think, that you need not be cautioned against Flattery. (9) Let §8those of us that are Ministers, thirst after the Conversion of Souls. §9And (10) the practical Love of Truth, will best preserve from Popery. §10(11) Let not Melancholy persons neglect their Remedy. And §11let all Persons (12) press after a growing Knowledge of Christ. §12(13) Then whatever God doth in the World, cannot but be well §13done, because God doth it. (14) What you hear and read, do not let §14it slip. (15) Let your obedient Love to God, evidence your Love to §15his Children. (16) Avoid spiritual Pride, as a mischievous Sin. §16(17) Count a middling Condition best, as to the World, though not as to §17Religion. (18) Admire and improve those Truths and Works of §18God, which are to you incomprehensible. (19) Do all you do, with ⟨image 3⟩§19an eye to God, though you meet with unanswerable returns from men. §20. 21.(20) Still mind your present Duty. (21) Mind something that's §22better than the tricking of your Bodies. (22) Let Child-bearing §23Women, who dread the danger of their Travail, take God's Prescription §24for their temporal Salvation. (23) Take care of your Souls according to their worth.
WHat I have formerly endeavoured in these Exercises, I need not here tell you: My design is still the same; when too many are contending about comparatively trifles, or worse, I would do my utmost, by calling in better help than mine own, to promote practical Godliness. I'll not mention the Cases unavoydably (some by Sickness, some otherwise) omitted; and for those here, should I place them in this Preface, as I intended them in the Book, tbô it might somewhat rectifie their Order, 'twould not add to their Ʋsefulness; and therefore take them as they are, and the Blessing of God go along with them; and certainly 'twill, [as to you] if you are willing it should, pray try else. (1) We are surrounded with Vanities, let §1your Conversation be in Heaven, you'l be above them. But be sure your (2) Godliness be such, that you may feel its excellency, and expose §2their Folly that deride it. Then (3) God will not only be your §3Rewarder, but your exceeding great Reward. And (4) as you mind §4Religion, mind Ʋnity, be of a healing temper. And (5) mourn for §5their sins from whom you must separate. When (6) you can say, thrô §6Grace, you love God, abide in his Love. And (7) be as solicitous for §7your Childrens Salvation, as your own. (8) Do not flatter your selves to think, that you need not be caution'd against Flattery. (9) Let §8those of us that are Ministers, thirst after the Conversion of Souls. §9And (10) the practical Love of Truth, will best preserve from Popery. §10(11) Let not Melancholy persons neglect their Remedy. And §11let all Persons (12) press after a growing Knowledge of Christ. §12(13) Then whatever God doth in the World, cannot but be well §13done, because God doth it. (14) What you hear and read, do not let §14it slip. (15) Let your obedient Love to God, evidence your Love to §15his Children. (16) Avoyd spiritual Pride, as a mischievous Sin.
